§ 16. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the former Field Marshal Kesselring has now been released; and what protest has been made by the Italian Government to Her Majesty's Government in the matter.
§ Mr. NuttingThe former Field Marshal Albert Kesselring was released as an act of clemency. A public statement issued at the time of his release drew attention to the fact that he had recently undergone an operation for cancer at the age of 66. No protest has been received by Her Majesty's Government from the Italian Government in this matter.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the Minister aware that the day after his release Kesselring demanded as a condition of the participation of Germany in a European Army the release of all German war criminals? Is he further aware that in that same speech he paid tribute to Lord Alexander who had used his influence to secure his release? Will the Minister confirm or deny that, and if it is true will he tell us the nature of the influence that Lord Alexander used?
§ Mr. NuttingAs to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary, there is absolutely no truth whatsoever in the allegation that Lord Alexander used any influence in these matters. My right hon. Friend has explained on more than one occasion in the House that he is the Minister responsible for advising the Crown in the exercise of clemency in these matters.
§ Mr. HamiltonWill the Minister refuse to permit this bargaining point to influence Her Majesty's Government? I refer to the release of all other German prisoners as a condition of German participation in a European Army.
§ Mr. NuttingMy right hon. Friend considers each case on its individual merits.